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Response to Evil

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Copyright @ 2016 by Charles F. French

Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” This issue is one of the central themes of my horror novel Maledicus: Investigative Paranormal Society Book I and is also one of the main issues that has faced humanity in the last one hundred years. From the consequences of millions slain in the Holocaust to one single person murdered on the streets of New York City while many watched and did nothing, humanity has been confronted with this dilemma. When finding evil threatening others, what do we do? Do we ignore it and pretend that it is not there? Do we call authorities to try to handle the situation and hope they arrive in time? Or do we inject ourselves into situations that for both individuals and nations could be filled with the worst kind of danger?

It does not take much effort to find contemporary examples of such circumstances. In all of these situations, the observers are faced with a moral quandary, and in my novel, it is that circumstance which drives the central conflict. What do three retired gentlemen who are trying to find the answer to the ancient question—is there life after death?—do when they are confronted with sociopathic supernatural evil that threatens an innocent? It would be easy for them to turn aside and say—this isn’t our fight, or this doesn’t concern me.

These three retired gentlemen do decide to fight this evil, even at the potential cost of their lives and perhaps souls.

In our cynical so-called post-modern world, I feel that I am a bit of a dinosaur, because I am an unapologetic Humanist. I still believe that our connections as people are more important than that which disconnects us. My three central characters believe this ideal also. Hence, they understand Donne’s admonition—“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” And they understand that whatever threatens an innocent must be opposed.

I, too, believe that our connections as people are more important than that which disconnects us. That is such a profound statement. Life-altering sums it up. I’m ready to read the book (understatement). Your characters have great depth and interest. This is so exciting!

Your reblog is so appropriate. Today – both internationally and domestically – the world and the US face the 1930’s replay. The 30’s dictators said what their intentions where; the world chose to ignore them. Sound familiar. PC, using terms like “racist” to serve as a tool to advance political ideology, echo’s Goebbel’s and Stalin’s tactics used in the that period. If you don’t agree with the one “right” propaganda line you’re a low life. The people are waking – the question – is it too late?

But always be careful about comparing Nazi ideas to today’s world–it is easily done. I try to keep out of political conversations though on this blog. If I did, however, I am not sure we would agree on its application. I don’t agree that the idea of “PC” or the people who are generally accused of using it is in anyway like the Nazi ideas. Others would be more likely to have its application.